Different Types of Dies You Can Create Using a Die Making Machine

Different types of dies are used to create various products in varied industries. A die is essentially a specialized tool that is used to cut or shape various types of materials with the help of a press. Dies are the most widely used in various manufacturing industries to give shape to particular products. Dies are somewhat like molds, in that they often have to be customized to the product that they are used to shape or create. A die can be used to produce a range of items, from paper clips to complex mechanical components. It can also be used to manufacture crafting and home décor items.

Die-making is, therefore, a very important activity that has a great impact on the quality of the end products produced with the help of these dies. A die making machine is typically used to design and manufacture dies. There are multiple varieties of dies that can be created using a die making machine. Dies are basically used for the manufacturing tools and is also used in stamping.

A functional die is the product of a careful compilation of numerous elements, including a die block, die sets, striper plate, punches, etc. Die making machines are used to assimilate these components and create different kinds of dies needed for diverse applications. After the manufacturing process, the dies are mounted onto a press and put into production. Some of the many types of dies that can be created using a die-making machine have been listed below.

1. Blanking Die: This type of die is primarily used for manufacturing a blank, which is a type of flat material that usually has no internal components. This is because a blanking die can only cut the outer contour of a material. This die is perfect for applications wherein a material needs to be cut into flat and accurate shapes.
2. Cut Off Die: Blanks that have straight and parallel sides are the ones that can be perfectly cut using this type of die. Cut-off dies are more affordable and cost-effective than blanking dies but offer relatively limited functionality. Cut off dies can also be used to shear excess material off the finished end of a product.
3. Trimming Die: As the name suggests, this die is used primarily to cut away any irregular or unwanted parts in a finished product. This type of die is usually only used after the entire manufacturing process is complete. The trimming die is used to create perfect and smooth edges for a product.
4. Compound Die: This may be envisioned as a type of inverted blanking die that is used for upward punching, which can, in turn, lead to a more accurate output. In a compound die, the matrix or die block is mounted on a punch plate, as a result of which both the internal and external parts of a material can be cut with a single press stroke.
5. Bending Die: A bending die is supremely useful as it can provide a blank with not only a curve – as in a forming die – but any kind of angular shape desired. With a bending die, the line of the bend is not as curved and relatively straight in comparison to a forming die. This makes it more versatile than the latter when giving shape to materials.
6. Shaving Die: As the name suggests, a shaving die can be used to remove small amounts of metal from the edges of a material or a blank, so as to improve the surface texture for a more polished look and feel. A shaving die is essential for ensuring that a blank is accurately shaped and sized and that it has a smooth and straight edge.
7. Broaching Die: Broaching is essentially the process by which excess material is removed from a blank with the help of several cutting teeth, wherein each tooth cuts behind the other. This die is primarily used to remove excess metal from parts of a product that is too thick to allow for shaving. Thus, it is a slightly customized version of a shaving die.
8. Horning Die: A horning die offers an arbor or horn as a projecting post. This horn can be applied to materials that are either bent or drawn, in order to initiate secondary operations. Horning dies are needed for performing functions such as piercing and staking, which can often be required during the manufacturing of various products.

These are just some of the different types of dies that can be manufactured using a high-quality die making machine. These dies are used in various industries for the production of numerous items and parts.